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Chargers Legend Sends Strong Message About Joe Hortiz in Los Angeles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated May 6, 2025 3:48 PM ET

Since the beginning of the NFL offseason Los Angeles Chargers’ general manager Joe Hortiz has been under fire from the fanbase.

It felt like a pivotal summer due to the nature of the Chargers’ playoff loss to the Houston Texans back in January.

Quarterback Justin Herbert threw four interceptions, but some of the mistakes he made were on his receivers for dropping passes or being in the wrong spots.

Many fans expected the team to go out and acquire a top receiver in a loaded free agent class at the position, but it never came.

Los Angeles settled on a reunion with Mike Williams and brought in former New York Jet Tyler Conklin to bolster their tight end room.

Their lack of aggression on the open market was bad enough and the fanbase’s frustrations only turned into anger when Hortiz discussed his draft strategy on selecting the best player available instead of targeting a specific position.

Luckily for him, the team had a great draft that put him back in good graces with the Chargers faithful.

Los Angeles selected running back Omarion Hampton in the first round of the draft and although he isn’t a pass catcher, he is considered the most explosive prospect in his class.

For an offense that is devoid of playmakers, Hampton will slide in perfectly.

The recent hot streak from Hortiz is not only resonating with fans, but he is also roping in Chargers legends into the excitement.

Former linebacker Shawne Merriman recently hopped on an episode of “Up and Adams” where he spoke highly of the general manager.

Merriman says that Hortiz, “gets me fired up because it feels like he’s going to go play the game.”

Shawne Merriman is HYPED about Chargers GM Joe Hortiz.

"He gets me fired up because it feels like he's going to go play the game."@heykayadams | @ShawneMerriman pic.twitter.com/rs3MMPB4u9
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 5, 2025